Matthew 28:1-6
    We traveled to the Garden Tomb, Golgotha (the Place of the Skull). The enemy (satan) was filling me with dread, but as the door opened into the garden joy slowly but surely replaced that emotion. Our guide told us the history of the garden, believed by some to be the place of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
    Then, I saw the door to the tomb which read, "He is not here, for He is risen" and my soul was flooded with joy. Many of us spontaneously began to sing. This was a lingering place! We celebrated communion in the garden. I never wanted to leave!
    We entered the Old City of Jerusalem, within the city walls. We were given instructions concerning the Western Wall or "Wailing Wall" as some call it. It is the most important religious site for Jewish people because it is believed to be the only ruin left of Solomon's time and the original Temple.
    As we walked into the courtyard area I looked to my right and there it was, moss covered, and obviously very ancient, the sight of it made me catch my breath. Many people of all walks were standing, praying, and touching the wall. Men worship on one side and the women on the other. Prayers are written and inserted into the wall itself and daily removed and stored. I left a prayer for Jon's (our youngest son) complete healing.

Thought: God honors all prayers that glorify Him, so we knew ours was answered!

Isaiah 65:24, And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

All parents can relate to the responsibility of having their “first gift from God” placed solely in their hands.  Nothing will bring a woman to her knees faster than that weighty yet longed for duty.  Robert Anthony was born on June 6, 1981.  It was a difficult delivery and Bobby had severe colic for the first six months of life and croup for the next six months.  Sleep for me was not possible.

We were in the process of building our dream home in the country with my in-law as neighbors.  When Bobby was four months old our small city house sold faster than we had imagined.  We moved to a small apartment attached to my in-law’s house.  It was not ideal for a family and Bobby’s croup grew worse.  We managed for eight months until our new home was completed.  During that time we made two trips to the emergency room, once when Bobby rolled off a high bed onto the wood floor and once when my exhaustion overwhelmed me.

 Bobby suffered no ill effects but I was diagnosed with exhaustion and osteochrondritis, a condition of inflammation of both bone and cartilage of the chest.  I had held Bobby 24/7 on my chest when his colic was severe with only small “cat naps” and the irritation mimicked a heart attack.  The physician gave me pain medication that put me to sleep which was useless!  Prayer and the Grace of God assured improvement in me and Bobby.  Shortly before Bobby’s first birthday we moved into our new home.

Thought:  When situations and people fail miserably our Lord never does!  Our faith is built up in the one and only “I Am”!  Does God allow difficult situations so that we learn to turn to Him first?

Action: Why not turn to Him first in prayer?